November is upon us and Science Week is
here. It’s time to get our geek on and look at some of the ways STEM (Science,
Technology, Engineering and Maths) are being used to examine and display the
past! This year we have not one, but three real treats in store for you with a
host of experts from Virtual Reality, 3D Modelling and Reflectance
Transformation Imaging on site. Have no clue what any of that means? Read on….
So we get it, Virtual Reality doesn’t
exactly scream history and archaeology, right? When you put on the goggles and
head sets you tend to think more of 3D Gaming in big leather recliners…. But
organisations like Noho are using this advanced technology to recreate (with
the utmost historical accuracy) artefacts, objects and places from the past to
allow us to experience them in a completely new and exciting way. Their
technology allows you to walk into a Viking House exactly as it would have
stood all those centuries ago and explore it as if you were there yourself, or
to stroll past a passage tomb in the most surprising of locations such as O’Connell
Street! All of this allows you to investigate and experience the past in a way
that is completely immersive, often overwhelming and playful!
Not sure what 3D modelling is exactly??
Well let us explain… Put simply 3D modelling is the production of a digital,
mathematical representation of the surface of an object using particular
computer software. But how does this benefit archaeology and the study of
history? Think of a fragile ceramic pot, or battle-worn Viking shield, both of
which might be too delicate to touch or examine by hand. 3D modelling allows us
to recreate the surfaces of these artefacts in photo-like form that can contain
so much detail, they are able to be investigated from the model without
potentially damaging the object. This allows us to record and preserve even the
most unstable of artefacts for generations of historians, archaeologists and the
culturally curious to come In Dublinia as part of Science Week we will be
looking specifically at the use of this technology in the study, preservation
and display of weaponry.
Sounding like a tongue-twister, Reflectance
Transformation Imaging has enormous value to the study of history. It is a
process by which different forms and levels of light are used with photography
to examine an object’s surface and reveal what is not visible to the naked eye
– kind of similar to that annoying light over your bathroom mirror that shows
up your moustache (grrrr). It can reveal differences in a surface’s texture or
condition and can also monitor how those changes develop over time. Alongside
this we will also be showcasing the use of 3D printing and how technology can
be used to recreate historical artefacts to make replicas which can be easily
handled and studied without the risk of damage to an original object.
Science Week demonstrations are running
from 11.00am – 4.00pm on the 11th, 12th, 18th
and 19th November. Each demo is free with the price of admission to
Dublinia and no booking is required. This is an event not to be missed!
